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Form of workWhere the Power of Art Engages the Spirit of Community
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art invites all people to explore the art in its care, and through its vast collections, the depths, and complexities of human experiences.
We strive to create a sense of belonging, where staff and volunteers can do meaningful work connecting people to art. We create an informed, invested group of staff and volunteers through shared values and open, direct, and respectful communication. We embrace IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Sustainability) in every aspect of our ideals and aspirations, as we believe these values to be paramount to success.
Each staff member and volunteer will embody the institution’s commitments and agrees to exhibit behaviors that align with them. We hold one another to these expectations so that, together, we may know, own, energize and sustain our culture and the institution for generations to come.
ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE* CONSERVATOR, PAINTINGS
*Level is determined by education and experience.
We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity to join our esteemed conservation team at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, an internationally recognized art museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the world's cultural heritage. With a diverse collection spanning centuries and styles, we are committed to fostering a deep appreciation for art and history. We invite passionate and skilled individuals to apply for the position of Assistant/Associate (level determined by relevant education & experience) Conservator, Paintings, and become an integral part of our mission to conserve and interpret these precious works of art for generations to come.
Position Overview:
As an Assistant or Associate level Conservator, Paintings, you will collaborate with a dynamic team of experts dedicated to the preservation and care of our extensive painting collection. You will work closely with conservators, curators, registrars, and art preparators to ensure the longevity and visual integrity of the artworks while contributing to innovative research and public engagement initiatives
PLEASE NOTE: Only applicants with the appropriate education and experience will be considered. Candidates must have completed an Art Conservation graduate program with a specialization in paintings from a recognized conservation training program.
Key Responsibilities:
Assistant Level
- Examine, document, and treat paintings, employing sound conservation principles and ethical practices.
- Collaborate with curatorial and collections staff to plan and execute conservation projects, ensuring the artworks are prepared for exhibition, loan, and storage.
- Conduct research on artists' techniques and materials, contributing valuable technical information for inclusion in publications and/or scholarly collection catalogues.
- Perform documentation and photography of artworks before, during, and after conservation treatments, ensuring accurate records are maintained for reference and research purposes.
- Participate in public outreach programs, including gallery talks, tours, and presentations, to educate visitors about art conservation and the significance of our collection.
- Stay informed about the latest advancements in conservation practices, attending conferences, workshops, and seminars to continuously enhance your expertise.
Associate Level
- Art Examination & Assessment: Conduct thorough examinations and assessments of paintings in the collection to identify and document their condition, deterioration, and any potential conservation needs.
- Conservation Treatment: Plan and execute conservation treatments to stabilize, restore, and enhance the aesthetic and structural integrity of paintings, while adhering to ethical and professional conservation standards. Collaborate closely with the Head, Conservation, Curators, and other conservation staff to determine treatment priorities and strategies that align with the museum's mission and collection goals. Perform documentation and photography of artworks before, during, and after conservation treatments, ensuring accurate records are maintained for reference and research purposes.
- Analysis & Research: Engage in scientific analysis, technical research, and scholarly investigation related to paintings and their materials to inform conservation decisions and contribute to the museum's understanding of its collection.
- Conservation Best Practices: Contribute to the development of conservation policies, guidelines, and procedures to ensure the consistent care and preservation of paintings across the museum.
- Planning & Execution: Assist in the planning and execution of exhibitions, loans, and special projects, providing expertise on the handling, transport, and display of paintings as required.
- Education & Public Programs: Collaborate with educational and public programs to facilitate the communication of conservation principles, processes, and insights to the museum's visitors, scholars, and art enthusiasts.
- Professional Development: Participate in professional development activities, workshops, conferences, and research initiatives to stay current with advancements in the field of conservation.
- Other: Performs all other duties assigned and in the interest of the department, division, and general support of the museum and its mission.
CORE CAPABILITY REQUIREMENTS
Education/Experience
Assistant Level
- Graduate degree in Art Conservation with a specialization in paintings from a recognized conservation training program.
- Demonstrated knowledge of painting processes and materials.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex conservation concepts to diverse audiences.
- Collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams.
- Attention to detail, patience, and a commitment to best practices.
Associate Level
- Master's degree or equivalent in Art Conservation with a specialization in paintings conservation.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in paintings conservation.
- Proven track record of successfully executing a wide range of paintings conservation treatments.
- Familiarity with imaging and analytical techniques used in conservation research, such as X-radiography, infrared reflectography, and spectroscopy.
- Attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities when addressing complex conservation challenges.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Must be currently eligible to work in the US (US authorization required). We are unable to sponsor immigrants without a US work authorization/visa for this role.
- Include a cover letter outlining your interest in the position, your conservation philosophy, and how your qualifications align with the responsibilities and requirements.
- Please attach or email a writing sample (i.e. examination report, research paper, or publication).
- Candidates selected for interview will be asked to share a 35 minute presentation of their conservation projects, showcasing significant treatments and projects.
Core Competencies
- Integrity: Demonstrating honesty and a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values.
- Emotional Intelligence: High EQ (emotional intelligence) with experience managing and building positive relationships with cross-functional teams.
- Inclusion: Including and integrating all people and groups; respecting people from all backgrounds and cultures; understanding, accepting, and valuing differences between people
- Communication Skills: Ability to interact professionally with all levels of internal staff and with external stakeholders. Strong interpersonal communication skills; diplomatic and collaborative work style. Excellent public speaking skills and ability to work with multiple audiences.
- Organization Skills: Ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines, and handle numerous assignments concurrently.
- Financial Acumen: Maintains and applies a broad understanding of financial management principles to ensure decisions are fiscally sound and responsible.
- Technical Acumen: Well versed in technology and/or the ability to identify the technologies that have impact on the growth and sustainability of the museum and to attain the knowledge required to leverage the power of those technologies in the daily job.
POSITION SPECIFICATIONS
Job Family
Conservation
Assistant Level
Starting Salary Range
Associate Level
Starting Salary Range
Grade 6
$55,071 - $62,002
Grade 7
$63,406 - $71,307
FLSA StatusAssistant: Salary Exempt
Associate: Salary Exempt
Working Conditions
Working conditions are typically those of an office environment. Works primarily at a desk, uses a PC/ Perform with frequent interruptions and/or distractions. The ability to attend on-site meetings/events within the museum and museum properties. Perform effectively under conditions of fluctuating workload.
Often required to move about to their work area, between galleries and storage areas, ascend and descend stairs; and stand and/or sit for extended periods of time. The Curatorial Assistant is occasionally required to lift, drag and/or move up to 15 pounds unassisted. The employee is required to identify, observe and assess visually or otherwise.
Often required to move about to their work area, between galleries and storage areas, ascend and descend stairs; and stand and/or sit for extended periods of time. The Curatorial Assistant is occasionally required to lift, drag and/or move up to 15 pounds unassisted. The employee is required to identify, observe and assess visually or otherwise.
Travel Expectations
0–15% of Travel Required
Non-Discrimination
The Nelson-Atkins is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art conducts pre-employment background checks as part of our selection process.
Salary information is a general guideline only. The Museum considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
